What You Need to Know about Concussion: Is Surgery Necessary and Finding Brain Surgeons in Brisbane

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that can occur when a whiplash-type injury or impact to your head shakes your head (and brain) back and forth quickly. The result of a concussion is an altered mental state and possibly even unconsciousness. You may sustain this type of injury during a car crash, fall, or other daily activities; your chances of getting a concussion are greater if you participate in impact sports. Concussions usually are not life-threatening, but they can be serious and require treatment.

Symptoms of a Concussion

If you experience a concussion, your symptoms will depend on several factors, such as the severity of your injury and your body’s response. You may or may not lose consciousness; you may also experience problems with memory, confusion, drowsiness, vision problems, headache, nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, or problems with balance. Symptoms may develop immediately, or they may take hours, days, or longer to appear.

It’s also important to be able to recognise the signs of concussion in another person. If you suspect a friend or loved one could have a concussion, watch for irritability, loss of coordination, problems with balance, trouble walking, seizures, pupils of unequal sizes, prolonged confusion, slurred speech, vomiting, or an inability to wake up (coma). If you notice any of these symptoms in yourself or someone you know following an injury, you should seek emergency medical attention.

Spine injuries can sometimes accompany concussions. If you think someone you know may have a neck or back injury, call an ambulance for help and do not move the person. If you absolutely must move the person, do so extremely carefully and keep their neck and back as still as possible to avoid further damage to the spine.

Concussion Treatment

The type of treatment required for a concussion depends on the severity of symptoms. Most concussions do not require major medical intervention. If your concussion is causing headaches, your doctor may recommend pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Instructions also often include getting plenty of rest, avoiding strenuous activities, and avoiding driving for hours, weeks, or longer, depending on the severity of the injury.

Most people recover from concussions completely and without complications. However, symptoms may take weeks or months to disappear entirely. In some rare instances, mental, emotional, or physical changes may be permanent. You must avoid repeat concussions because of the increased risk of lasting brain damage. If you do experience a severe concussion with bleeding or swelling of the brain or another serious brain injury, you may need brain surgery in Brisbane.

Finding a Brain Surgeon in Brisbane

Looking for brain surgeons in the Brisbane area? Dr. Neil Cochrane of Cochrane Neurosurgery & Spine believes in arming his patients with all the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their care. Not all surgeons stay up-to-date on the latest medical information. Choose a surgeon who does. If you need brain surgery, you can feel confident that at Cochrane Neurosurgery & Spine, your education and health come first.